My parents are making their annual trip down to Jersey today! I'll be bopping around NYC with them tomorrow and then ending our night in my favorite piano bar (just so happens to be the Huz's aunt's place). Come stop by!

Fun fact: I used to make my own jewelry when I was younger. I'd spend my allowance in the local bead shop and then create bracelets and earrings, either by hand or with my bead loom. My sister, Amy, and I created our own little "company" called Creations by the River (catchy, huh?) and sold our jewelry in the barn during apple season. I think we sold a few pieces, just enough to cover the cost of supplies and still have some left over for ice cream. It was the best.

Seeing these necklaces reminds me how fun it can be to make your own jewelry. I have a big party coming up in April and I think a big chunky necklace would be just the thing to wear with my outfit. First the necklace, then I'll figure out my attire around the pretty piece. It's fun to work backwards sometimes!

3.23.2011

We're in the process of moving into a new office building here at my day job (I love how that makes me sound like I'm a super hero by night) and I get upgraded to a window cubicle in the new place. It's the little things. I've been trying to find some quick and pretty ways to brighten up the drab space and I'm thinking I might make some of these:

I'm not a huge sewer. In fact, I think I've only picked up a needle and thread just a few times in my life (once for this project), so this garland is right up my alley. Felt and bakers twine is all I need.

I actually attempted to sew these flowers for our groomsmen's boutonnieres. It didn't go well so I abandoned the idea. I'm thinking I might have to give it a go again because this is too adorable to pass up.

3.22.2011

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Brides these days never cease to amaze me. There are so many creative and resourceful brides-to-be who design each and every bit of their wedding and I'm always blown away with the jaw-dropping details they create. This next bride is one of those handmade geniuses; you've already met her, too! Cindy is the wonderful blogger behind Hungry Girl Por Vida and I literally dropped everything I was doing when she sent me her wedding. Sit back and relax, folks, it's time for some pretty.

A well deserved high-five between Cindy + Sean.

Could she have picked better colors?

Just the cutest bunch of ladies, don't you think so?

Love that each bridesmaid had a different flower in her hair.

And if you're wondering, Cindy and her family made the bow ties. Unbelievable.

Just because Cindy didn't have enough to do, she made the desserts! (Do I spy my favorite cake stand to the right of the wedding cake? I think I do.)

I'll never tire of these mugs.

The sweetest cake topper.

Why didn't I ever think of using multiple colored straws? Best idea ever.

It kind of leaves you breathless, right? Thanks to Courtney Wilson Photography for capturing some of the most beautiful and heart warming images from Cindy and Sean's big day. Head over to Foto.tique and The Wedding Chicks to see so much more and read the whole story behind the wedding!

3.21.2011

Remember that huge announcement I hinted to last week? Well, I can finally let you all in on the big secret: I have joined Sandra Downie'sThe White Library as the new DIY and Crafting Corner Contributor! I will be sharing some fun and easy DIY ideas that I hope will inspire you lovelies! I'm so thrilled to be part of The White Library team; such a talented group of gals cooking, crafting, and designing all the pretty details we can't seem to get enough of these days!

Head over to The White Library to check out my DIY Rustic Chic Napkins, just in time for spring!

After DIYing and styling the shoot, I had to bake something so I could test the new napkins. Lucky for me, The White Library's food contributor, Brittany, had just the thing: Cheesy Chocolate Pastries! Oh, so good.

Come visit me each month on The White Library as I bring you DIY and crafty goodness!

3.16.2011

Please forgive me. I feel I have ventured away from all the beautiful weddings out there and have been featuring food and fashion instead. I haven't checked my favorite wedding blogs at all this week (don't worry, mom, I'm not ill. I'm just giving in to my sweet tooth). What's wrong with me you ask? This is what happened this morning:

Shall we have a blog bake-off? I know tons of you will be making the Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread and now clearly this will be on your list as well. I think we should all make the breads (or make whatever you like!) and then have a bake-around-the-blog day where we each feature the end result.
Who's with me?

3.15.2011

By now we have all seen the images and heard the heart wrenching stories of the devastation in Japan. It has left me speechless and wanting to help in any way possible. Lydia from Ever Ours and Lucy and Henny from Utterly Engaged have banded together to do just that: They established For Japan With Love, a project aimed at helping those in desperate need of lifesaving supplies and emergency shelter in Japan. Bloggers from around the world have jumped on board to raise awareness and donate to this worthy cause. Please head over to For Japan With Love to learn more about this project. Then, join me and other bloggers this Friday for Bloggers' Day of Silence as we turn off our computers and spend time with the ones we love.

Head here to join in the effort and view a full list of all the lovely participating bloggers.

3.14.2011

Morning! Hope your weekend was lovely. Mine was wonderful. I worked on some fun crafts yesterday (big announcement coming soon!) and then watched four movies with the Huz in our pjs. It was great. But enough chit chat, I'm really here to share this ridiculous find with you dears:

Don't even think about it, just make it.

The recipe is delightfully easy and fun to make. Impress your friends or keep it all to yourself (most likely what I'll be doing).

I found this recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread while looking for some good ideas for St. Patrick's Day dinner. I think we may skip the corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and soda bread this year and go straight to dessert. To be honest, I'm trying to come up with a good excuse to leave work so I can go home and make it right now.